Patrice Piard left Haiti more than thirty years ago, but he will never be able to blot out the strong memories he has of the Caribbean island and particularly his birth city Camp Perrin. His paintings scream Haiti, especially his perspective of it at the time of his departure. There’s the painting “Merilia” in which he depicts a market woman, surrounded by fruits from her farming land. He’s especially fascinated with members of Haiti’s farming community. In the painting “To The Road”, a countryside resident crosses a river on his donkey, his saddle filled with fruits.
Piard’s paintings have been exhibited all over New York, and at galleries and exhibits outside that state. The New York Times as well as the New York Daily News have fawned over his art.
Kreyolicious: Do you remember the circumstances that led you to create your first piece?
My first significant piece was a depiction of Christ standing above the sellers in a market place. It was inspired with the idea of showing the relationship between the poor in Haiti and their continued belief in Christ.
Kreyolicious: Out of all the pieces you’ve created, did any one of them prove to take such a toll on you creatively that you vowed never to paint again?
No. I have yet to create a piece that has taken such a toll on me that has made me not want to paint again. If anything, all of my pieces have motivated me to create something stronger.
Kreyolicious: What keeps you motivated?
My motivation comes from two things. Firstly, it comes from the vivid memories that I have of Haiti and how I want to give people—all people—the opportunity to know and understand the real Haiti. Secondly, my motivation comes from the response I get from others about my pieces. The more questions people ask, the more I feel the need to create to give answers.
Above: A Patrice Piard creation!
Kreyolicious: So far, what do you consider the crowning moment of your artistic life?
At this moment, I would say that I haven’t exactly reached the crowning moment of my artistic life. This moment for me will exist when I have a total of at least 200 paintings in my personal gallery.
Kreyolicious: What should we expect from you next?
From me, always expect vivid colors and stories. Expect that my creativity will grow, and I will continue to produce works of art that will make those that know Haiti, remember Haiti—and give those who have never been—the opportunity to dream of Haiti.
CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE PAINTER’S WEBSITE AND PURCHASE OR COMMISSION A PAINTING! PATRICE PIARD ON MEDALIA ART|
CLICK HERE TO READ ABOUT OTHER KREYOLICIOUS PAINTERS OF HAITIAN DESCENT!
